Ludhiana: The reign of gangsters in Punjab continues to cast a shadow over business owners. In a chilling development, the owner of a luxury car rental service in Ludhiana was threatened with a ransom demand of ₹2 crore. Gangster Kaushal Chaudhary has been named in the FIR filed in connection with the case.
The incident unfolded when two assailants opened fire at the luxury car rental office. Just a few hours later, the owner received a threatening call. Police have also registered the case against Kaushal Chaudhary, along with Pawan Shaukeen and Mohabbat Randhawa, and their unidentified associates.
Details of the Case
According to the FIR lodged at Mullanpur Dhaka police station, a partner of the firm reported receiving a WhatsApp call at around 4:26 PM from an international number. The caller identified himself as gangster Pawan Shaukeen and demanded a ransom of ₹2 crore. He threatened that if the money was not paid, the owner’s vehicles would be barred from operating on the streets.
Gangster Kaushal Chaudhary’s Criminal Record
Kaushal Chaudhary is reportedly linked to a well-organized crime network and has nearly 30 FIRs registered against him across various police stations. He is also said to have connections with the Bambiha gang. Chaudhary was previously brought from Gurugram on a production warrant for questioning in a case involving firing at a former army officer’s residence, which also involved a ransom demand of ₹5 crore.
Recent Police Actions
In a related crackdown, three members of gangster Rohit Godara’s gang were arrested in Ludhiana following a police encounter. Ludhiana Police Commissioner Swapn Sharma stated that the suspects were wanted in a case of firing at a ready-made clothing store shutter in the Habbowal area on January 6.
Police teams, acting on intelligence, had set up a checkpoint in the Ladiyan-Jassian area. When the suspects attempted to breach the checkpoint and opened fire on the officers, the police returned fire in self-defense, resulting in their arrest.
This latest incident underscores the persistent challenge of organized crime in Ludhiana, highlighting the urgent need for heightened vigilance and swift action by law enforcement to safeguard business owners and citizens alike.